How to Handle a Bad Performance Review (When You're Blindsided)

By

Hannah Kissel

September 15, 2026

•

10

min

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About the episode

You gave 15 years. "Exceeded expectations," every single time. And then one review drops: "not strategic enough." No warning. No conversation. No chance to fix it. If you've been blindsided at a performance review, this episode is for you. I break down exactly what to do when the feedback feels vague and unfair — and how to turn a gut-punch into a documented plan that protects you.

What we cover:

Why "not strategic enough" is a red flag — and how to decode it
The 4-step recovery: take a beat, recalibrate, deconstruct, document
Exactly what to ask your boss to get specific, measurable feedback
How to push back on a vague development plan (and win)
Why you should give feedback to the person who gave you feedback

Timestamps:

01:10 — The listener's story: 15 years, then "not strategic enough"
03:17 — Step 1: Anger is okay — process it
04:20 — Step 2: Take a beat before you respond
04:33 — Step 3: Schedule the "recalibration" conversation
04:50 — Step 4: Deconstruct vague feedback (what does "strategic" mean?)
06:16 — Step 5: Get a specific, documented plan (3-6-9-12 months)
06:46 — Step 6: Growth mindset + find a mentor who's where you want to be
07:35 — Step 7: Give your CEO feedback — you were blindsided
09:01 — The bottom line: decode the criticism into action

Hi there, I'm Hannah

Executive Coach, podcaster, speaker, writer, and builder of big f*cking Dreams. My mission? To help ambitious professionals build self-acceptance, self-trust in their careers.

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